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Akai's reel-to-reel 'Sound On Sound' function

Can anyone explain the concept behind the 'Sound on Sound' function that Akai built into their reel-to-reel tape machines? I'm using an Akai 4000DS and would like to use it as a primitive multi-track tape recorder.

According to the user-manual of a similar model, the 'Sound on Sound' function lets you "..accumulate as many seperate recordings on a single track as is desired."

Sounds to me like some sort of a "Bouncing" option. The way the manual words it is a little confusing. They almost make it sound as if you can record seperate "tracks" to a single track. That's not possible. A track is just 1 track. Pretty sure it's some kind of "Bouncing" function. The manual looks as if it explains the process of the procedure. Try it out and let us know.....
Cheers,
A

If I'm correct, you can record on one track (say the left, for example) and listen to the right channel, which would have previously recorded material on it. Basically, instead of recording on two channels at once, it gives you the option of recording on one at a time with simultaneous playback on the other track.

If I'm correct, you can record on one track (say the left, for example) and listen to the right channel, which would have previously recorded material on it. Basically, instead of recording on two channels at once, it gives you the option of recording on one at a time with simultaneous playback on the other track.

I didn't think about this, but jjones is right. It's a way of monitoring one track while recording on another.......Then I read the reference links operating instructions and then it sounds like you can overdub repeatedly. So maybe it is "Bouncing" tracks as you record a new one (While monitoring previously recorded material)???

I didn't think about this, but jjones is right. It's a way of monitoring one track while recording on another.......Then I read the reference links operating instructions and then it sounds like you can overdub repeatedly. So maybe it is "Bouncing" tracks as you record a new one (While monitoring previously recorded material)???

I'm not sure you can bounce tracks with this setup. Then again, I've never tried. My Pioneer has this type of setup, but I have never given it a shot. I usually use the feature for mono recordings. I'll have to experiment and see what happens.

I dunno. You got me. It does say though "The third and subsequent recordings are made in the same manner as the second by switching track selector switch to 1-4 and 2-3 and swapping the mic back and forth between the L and R inputs"
Probably not worded exactly as I've written it, but something like that.